Internship FAQs

Internships are more than filing papers and getting coffee, although there might be some coffee grabbing in the future!

Internships
are one of the best ways to gain practical experience in a professional
environment, while applying what you have been learning in the
classroom under the watchful eye of a supervisor/mentor.

Am I ready for an internship?

Are you confident in your career goals? Do you know the basics?

Internships can occur throughout the year and can typically range from 10 hours to 40 hours depending on the timing.

Students typically participate in internship programs during or after completion of their Junior year.

Why should I do an internship?

Experience and networking are both crucial to finding a job and an internship will offer you both.

Internships are like a dress rehearsal for your future. It will give you the opportunity to impress employers with your skills, and possibly land you a future job offer.

Internships also allow you to network, which may open doors for other future internships or job opportunities.

How can I find an internship?

Start early! Many employers recruit in the fall for next summers internship opportunities!

Stop by career services, talk with your advisor and check out OCUWorks

Internship Prep Checklist

Set up a Mock Interview to nail down interview basics and run your elevator speech

Should I do more than one internship?

Absolutely! You should take advantage of any and all employment opportunities.

What about money?

Internships are about the experience so many internships don’t pay. Think twice before turning down an internship that doesn’t include a paycheck, but these types of opportunities must meet the specific criteria established by the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. For further details CLICK HERE

The following six criteria must be applied when making this determination:

The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to
training which would be given in an educational environment

The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern

The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff

The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern;
and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded

The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship

The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the
internship.

How should I act during my internship?

Always convey professionalism. Represent the BEST of OCU!

Arrive on time (early) and dress professionally

Be observant, listen and learn everything that you can.

Work to learn the names of everyone you meet.

Go above and beyond their expectations! Take advantage of every opportunity.

The duties may not be glamorous at times, but if you prove yourself to be valuable it could mean big things down the line.

Take advantage of the opportunity to conduct Informational Interviews to gain further insight on your career path and industry